Bihar

'Will have to think...discuss with Home Minister': JD(U) sounds cautious note on UCC implementation

Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 15 (IANS) Following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA, the JD(U) said that it will discuss the provisions with the Home Minister, with some sections of the party sounding reluctant with its enactment in Bihar. Addressing reporters in Patna, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and senior JD(U) leader Vijay Kumar said: The provisions of the UCC Bill have not yet been made public. First, we will see in what form the UCC Bill is introduced and study its provisions. Second, our working national president has already said that after examining the provisions, we will discuss the matter directly with the Home Minister. After that, our party will hold a meeting and take a decision. So, let the draft of the Bill come first. It will be discussed within the party as well as with our alliance partners...If there are any concerns regarding the UCC, we will directly discuss them with the Home Minister, he stated. Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary referred to UCC as a somewhat sensitive issue. We will discuss it thoroughly, including how the people concerned will be protected...As our National President has said, we will speak to the Home Minister and decide accordingly, he told IANS. However, JD(U) MP Kaushalendra Kumar said that the party will stick to former Chief Minister and party supremo Nitish Kumar's decision on UCC's implementation. We are with the BJP at the Centre, but when it comes to the state, we will have to think about it, he told reporters. He further said: The Chief Minister (Samrat Choudhary) is from the BJP but it is not like he doesn't think about Bihar. He will agree with our decision...We will abide by whatever Nitish Kumar ji had decided for the state. Meanwhile, Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi maintained that all stakeholders will be consulted before the implementation of the UCC. The UCC has been passed in several states and has also been implemented in some places. In the Lok Sabha, the UCC was passed with the support of all constituent parties. The Home Minister has said that the BJP will implement it in all NDA-ruled states. Discussions will be held and everyone will be consulted on this, he told IANS.

Weather Tomorrow September 16: IMD predicts rain, thunderstorms and heavy showers across several states; check forecast for Delhi, Odisha, Bihar, Bengaluru and more

Weather Tomorrow: The Meteorological Department has released a new weather warning for various areas, forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorms nationwide. On Wednesday, thunderstorms and rain are expected in both Delhi-NCR and Bihar. Additionally, Rajasthan and Odisha are bracing for rain and strong winds, while Uttarakhand and West Bengal face alerts for rain and lightning activity.

Bihar Cabinet Approves 17 Proposals, Allocates

The Bihar Cabinet has approved 17 proposals, including a 1,000 crore allocation for flood and irrigation projects, under Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary. Bihar Cabinet Approves 17 Proposals, Allocates 1,000 Crore for Flood and Irrigation Relief

Central Government Stands with Bihar Flood Victims; Minister to Conduct Review on September 16

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will assess flood damage in Bihar and engage with affected farmers during his visit on September 16. Central Government Stands with Bihar Flood Victims; Minister to Conduct Review on September 16

No reason to make haste: JD(U) takes cautious stand on UCC

Janata Dal (United) will study the Uniform Civil Code legislation before taking a stance. The party will consult its coalition partners in Bihar before making a decision. Bihar's deputy chief minister stated they will not oppose the code without reason. Senior party leader Shyam Rajak had previously expressed opposition to implementing the UCC in Bihar.

JD-U softens UCC stand, says 'won't oppose for no reason'

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that the JD(U) will thoroughly study the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill before deciding on its stance, indicating they will not oppose it without valid reasons. This position contrasts with the RJD's strong opposition and highlights the JD(U)'s independent approach within the NDA.

Man gets life term for second time in separate murder case

Girl on way to school crushed to death by truck in Samastipur

Youth killed in sword attack over water row

Uniform Civil Code: Rift within NDA over implementation of UCC in Bihar

Tensions have flared among NDA coalition partners in Bihar over implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The disagreement comes a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared plans to roll out the UCC across 21 NDA-governed states by 2029.

Bihar CM Samrat Chaudhary disburses

The News Mill

JD(U) won't oppose UCC if provisions are okay: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated the JD(U) will study the Uniform Civil Code Bill. The party will not oppose the legislation without valid reasons for objection. Senior JD(U) leader Shyam Rajak had previously voiced strong opposition to the Uniform Civil Code. Chaudhary clarified that the party will consult coalition partners before making a final decision. The Union Agriculture Minister will visit flood-hit areas for damage assessment.

Bihar UCC: JD(U) Says It Will Decide After Consulting NDA Allies

Chaudhary, who is also a former state assembly speaker, sought to distance the JD(U) from the strident stance adopted by RJD, the main party in opposition, which has vowed to thwart the UCC's implementation in Bihar, alleging that it was against the interests of Muslims.

BPSC, BPSSC aspirants stage protest in Patna, demand cancellation of exams

Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 15 (IANS) A large number of students staged a massive protest in Patna on Tuesday, demanding the cancellation and re-conduct of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Combined Competitive Examination and the Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission (BPSSC) Main Examination for the recruitment of 1,799 Police Sub-Inspectors. The protesting aspirants gathered near JP Golambar and raised slogans against the state government. Carrying banners and posters, they demanded an impartial investigation into alleged irregularities in both examinations. One of the posters carried by the protesters read, Neither will foul play in exams be tolerated, nor will playing with our future be accepted. The students said that if an investigation establishes any wrongdoing, both examinations should be cancelled and conducted again for all candidates. As the protesters attempted to march towards the Chief Minister's residence and the Raj Bhavan, police personnel put up barricades near JP Golambar to stop them. However, the protesters broke through the barricades and attempted to move ahead, leading to a scuffle between the students and police. Some aspirants were seen climbing over the barricades while continuing to raise slogans. More than 200 police personnel have been deployed around Gandhi Maidan to prevent the protesters from proceeding further. Security arrangements have also been strengthened at Dakbungalow Crossing, where the route has been blocked with barricades. The BPSSC conducted the main written examination in May 2026 for the recruitment of 1,799 Police Sub-Inspectors. Around 35,857 candidates appeared for the examination. Following the exam, complaints of alleged malpractice and irregularities were raised at some examination centres. Questions were also raised after a photograph of the question paper reportedly surfaced on social media following the May 27 examination at Government Girls' High School in Purnea. During the police investigation, a teacher, Mrityunjay Kumar, was arrested. According to police, Kumar allegedly photographed the question paper after the examination had concluded and sent the image to a relative. The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) subsequently took up the investigation. The agency has obtained photographs of the question paper/booklet and has sought a response from the BPSSC regarding the authenticity and source of the images. The protesting students maintain that the questions surrounding the transparency and integrity of the examination process must be investigated impartially. They have demanded that the authorities establish the facts through a fair inquiry and take appropriate action if irregularities are confirmed. The aspirants are continuing their protest in Patna, pressing for the cancellation and re-conduct of both the 70th BPSC Combined Competitive Examination and the BPSSC Main Examination for 1,799 Sub-Inspector posts.

Students protest in Patna over alleged irregularities in Bihar SI and 70th BPSC exams

The News Mill

Amit Shahs Statement on Uniform Civil Code Sparks Nationwide Discussion

Amit Shahs remarks on the Uniform Civil Code have prompted ministers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to advocate for its swift implementation. Amit Shahs Statement on Uniform Civil Code Sparks Nationwide Discussion

If allies aren't ready, how will UCC be implemented: CM Omar reacts to Amit Shah's UCC remark

New Delhi , September 15 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Tuesday, reacted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assertion that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented across all 21 states governed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before 2029, saying key allies like the Janata Dal (United) are opposed to the move while doubting the Centre's ability to pass the legislation in Parliament. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar on Tuesday, the National Conference (NC) leader questioned the piecemeal state-wise rollout of the civil code and argued that civil legislation falls strictly under the legislative domain of the Union Parliament. In this regard, the National Conference has issued its statement. Our Rajya Sabha MP Shammi Oberoi has said that it is Parliament's job to do this. Why are you doing it from different states? Not everyone in their NDA agrees with this. JDU has straight-up raised its hands and said it won't be implemented in Bihar. If their own people aren't ready for UCC, how can these people say that it should be implemented across the entire country? I don't think these people will be able to pass it in Parliament, Abdullah said. Turning to diplomatic developments, the Chief Minister lauded the condemnation and mention of the Pahalgam terror attack in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, terming it a significant success for Indian foreign policy given the presence of Islamabad's key international partners at the summit. That is something for the Government of India, and particularly for the Foreign Ministry, to talk about. The fact that Pahalgam itself was condemned is a big thing. Please see how many allies of Pakistan were in that room. Therefore, for even Pahalgam to be mentioned by name, that in itself is a success of our foreign policy, Abdullah remarked. Reacting to the Ministry of Defence's report on the operational situation along the Northern Front, the Chief Minister also welcomed any diplomatic or military steps that lower tensions and scale back troop deployments along both the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Line of Control (LoC). Anything that reduces tension along the Line of Control or the Line of Actual Control is a good step, particularly for those people who live close to it. We know that living near the LoC or LAC is extremely difficult for people. If there is any step that reduces deployments along the Line of Actual Control, that is a good step. Similarly, we hope that, over time, things will also get better along the Line of Control, he added. Earlier on Sunday, Amit Shah asserted that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented across all 21 states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before 2029. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, the Home Minister also emphasised that India's national security posture has fundamentally transformed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership through decisive cross-border operations. We introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in several states. I am confident that we will implement the UCC in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029. Operations such as the surgical strikes, air strikes, and Operation Sindoor have established a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, while security has been prioritised across various sectors, Shah said.

Delhi Police busts pan-India matrimonial cyber fraud call centre in Agra; mastermind arrested

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) The Central District Cyber Police have busted an organised pan-India matrimonial cyber fraud racket being operated from a call centre in Agra under the facade of a branded matrimonial portal, shaadipartner.com, and arrested its mastermind, a practising advocate. According to the police, the syndicate targeted men seeking matrimonial alliances and used fake profiles, photographs of women sourced from the internet and staged conversations to create an impression of genuine matchmaking services. The racket operated on the principle of 'cheat small, cheat many', with the accused deliberately limiting the amount extracted from an individual victim to a maximum of Rs 15,000. The investigation began following a complaint lodged on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) by a man who alleged that he had been induced, deceived and defrauded on the false promise of being provided a matrimonial alliance through shaadipartner.com. Following the complaint, FIR No. 78/2025 was registered at Cyber Police Station, Central District, under Sections 318(4), 317(5), 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to the investigation, the syndicate had been operating the racket for around one year and systematically targeting matrimonial seekers across different parts of the country. To lure prospective victims, the fraudsters initially shared photographs of attractive women through WhatsApp. To establish trust and create the appearance of an authentic matchmaking process, they allegedly arranged telephonic conversations between the complainants and women posing as prospective brides. Once a victim developed an emotional connection or expressed genuine interest, the accused allegedly induced him to make payments at different stages. The victim was charged under various pretexts, including registration charges, profile access fees, profile activation charges and contact-unlocking fees. In the case under investigation, the complainant was allegedly defrauded of Rs 15,000. Subsequent technical investigation and analysis of the financial trail established that the entire amount allegedly defrauded from the complainant was credited directly into a current account with the Central Bank of India. The account, bearing the number 0512****190, was registered in the name of the commercial entity M/s Shaadi Partner Com. According to banking records and KYC details, Jaya Shakya alias Shashi was the sole proprietor and authorised signatory of the beneficiary account. Further analysis through the NCRP database revealed that the same bank account was linked to six complaints registered from different parts of the country. Police said the findings indicated an active and coordinated racket that primarily targeted male matrimonial seekers across India using a similar modus operandi. Acting on the information gathered during the investigation, a police team raided an illegal and fully functional tele-calling call centre operating from Property No. 25, Ramaji Dham Apartment, Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on September 4. Jaya Shakya, 44, who served as the operational manager and front face of the establishment, was arrested at the spot. Eight female tele-callers were also apprehended during the operation. During sustained custodial interrogation of Jaya Shakya after she was brought to Delhi, investigators uncovered the identity of the person behind the operation. Police said the call centre was financed, owned and masterminded by Amit Kumar, 29, an advocate and BA LLB graduate. According to investigators, Kumar used his knowledge of legal procedures and documentation to create a multi-layered structure aimed at shielding himself from direct scrutiny. Investigators said the banking channels and procurement of SIM cards were also structured in the name of the proprietorship firm. This ensured that any initial investigation into the financial transactions or communication channels would lead to Jaya Shakya rather than Kumar. Police alleged that Kumar presented himself as the firms 'Legal Advisor', thereby attempting to establish plausible deniability and avoid direct police scrutiny. Following the raid on September 4, Kumar switched off his mobile phones and went underground after learning that the Agra call centre had been raided by Delhi Police. The investigation team subsequently deployed technical surveillance to track his movements and zeroed in on his location in Agra. On September 8, police intercepted Kumar in the Kala Kunj area of Agra while he was travelling in a black Hyundai Creta bearing an 'Advocate' sticker on its windshields. According to the police, Kumar displayed his credentials issued by the Uttar Pradesh State Bar Council and claimed that he was merely acting as a legal counsel. However, investigators said that digital evidence gathered during the probe contradicted his claim. Police subsequently arrested Kumar on September 8. According to police, female tele-callers were recruited through vacancies advertised on recruitment platforms such as WorkIndia and Apna App, as well as through newspaper advertisements. The recruits were allegedly made to believe that they were joining a genuine matrimonial service. To establish the credibility of the operation, the accused used documents such as an MSME Udyam certificate, Uttar Pradesh Labour Department registration, a franchise agreement and Kumars Bar Council credentials. Police said these documents were shown to young employees during recruitment to convince them that the organisation was a legitimate and legally compliant matrimonial service. Investigators alleged that, over time, some of the female employees realised that they were participating in a fraudulent operation. However, the prospect of earning additional money allegedly kept them involved. According to the police, Jaya Shakya and Amit Kumar paid the tele-callers a 10 per cent incentive on every amount they successfully extracted from a victim. This was in addition to their monthly salaries of around Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000. To make the operation appear genuine, the accused created dummy client profiles on the matrimonial website and sent screenshots to victims. These screenshots were intended to convince them that they were receiving genuine matchmaking services. When a victim requested to speak with the woman whose photograph had been shown to him, another female employee from the call centre allegedly posed as the prospective bride during conference calls. The victim was then allowed to speak with the woman for several days, creating the impression that a genuine relationship was developing. After the victim had developed an emotional connection, the alliance was rejected on various false grounds. These included claims of Manglik Dosh, family disapproval or an assertion that the woman had become engaged elsewhere. If a victim insisted on receiving more options, the tele-callers provided details of other families whose profiles were already available on the portal. By using photographs downloaded from the internet, staging conversations with women posing as prospective brides and arranging calls with people pretending to be family members, the syndicate allegedly created a convincing illusion of genuine matchmaking. Each female tele-caller had a monthly target of bringing in at least Rs 15,000 in fraudulent collections. Failure to meet the target could reportedly result in salary deductions, while repeated failure led to termination. The accused also adopted measures to prevent victims from filing police complaints. According to investigators, whenever tele-callers sensed that a suspicious or angry victim was preparing to report the matter, they would refund the money to the victim to quietly settle the issue. Police further alleged that when a victim nevertheless filed a complaint through the NCRP, the complainants action could lead to the freezing of the proprietorship firm's bank account. At that stage, Amit Kumar stepped in and used his legal credentials to handle the situation. The alleged mastermind, Amit Kumar, a resident of Sikandra, Agra, is 29 years old and is a practising advocate. Police have described him as the alleged real owner and mastermind of the fake matrimonial matchmaking call centre. Jaya Shakya, a resident of West Arjun Nagar, Agra, is 44 years old. Police have identified her as the alleged operational manager and on-paper sole proprietor of the fraudulent entity. She supervised day-to-day tele-calling operations and managed the female staff. Other accused identified by the police include Jyoti Kumari, 27, a resident of Mohalla Bichpuri Road, Agra; Karishma Sharma, 24, a resident of Shastri Puram, Agra; Rashmi, 24, a resident of Shahganj, Agra; Anshu Kumari, 32, a resident of Radhe Garden, Agra, and originally from Bhagalpur, Bihar; Meghna Parashar, 23, a resident of Agra; Padma, 26, a resident of Bodla, Agra; and Aashika, 21, a resident of Agra.

Over 15,000 security personnel to be deployed for Tripura Village Committee polls

Digital Desk | Agartala, Sep 15 (IANS) Over 15,000 central and state security personnel will be deployed to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the September 28 Village Committee elections in Tripura's tribal areas, officials said on Tuesday. A senior police official said that around 74 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), with an actual deployment of around 5,000 personnel, along with 10,000 personnel of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and Tripura Police, would provide security for the politically important elections to the Village Committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) areas. Of the 74 companies of CAPF, 47 companies have already arrived in Tripura, and the remaining forces would be available in the state by Wednesday, the official told IANS. According to the official, the TSR and state police, led by district Superintendents of Police and other senior officials, have already started area-wise patrolling and route marches to maintain peaceful law and order in the run-up to the Village Committee elections. He said that the elite Tripura State Rifles have been very efficient in handling election-related duties. During the Lok Sabha elections held between April 19 and June 1, 2024, TSR personnel were deployed for election duties in Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha and Himachal Pradesh. In addition to providing security during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the Indian Reserve battalions of the Tripura State Rifles have performed election duties in almost every state of the country, ensuring security during both Assembly and Lok Sabha polls over the years. The Tripura State Election Commission (TSEC) earlier announced that elections to 4,597 seats in 2,634 constituencies covering 587 Village Committees -- equivalent to Gram Panchayats in the non-TTAADC areas -- would be held on September 28 after a gap of 10 years. State Election Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty, during a virtual meeting on Monday, reviewed the overall security and administrative arrangements for the Village Committee elections across the state. Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Rao, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper, Commission Secretary Anurag Sen, all the District Magistrates and several other officials participated in the meeting. Meanwhile, an official of the Tripura State Election Commission said that the ruling BJPs ally, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), won 1,557 seats, or 33.87 per cent of the total 4,597 seats, unopposed in the elections to 587 Village Committees under the TTAADC areas. The BJP secured 81 seats, or 1.76 per cent, uncontested following the completion of the withdrawal of nomination papers on September 11, the official said. According to the SEC official, following the election of candidates in a large number of seats without contest, polling would now be held in 2,954 seats in 44 of the total 52 blocks across eight districts of Tripura. After 1,069 candidates of various political parties, including the TMP, BJP and CPI (M), withdrew their nominations, a total of 9,820 candidates are now in the fray for the Village Committee elections.

BharatBenz adds new Supaul dealership to Bihar network

BharatBenz has opened a new dealership in Supaul, Bihar. This expansion strengthens its sales and after-sales reach across the Koshi belt. The four-bay 3S facility offers sales, service, and spares support. It aims to reduce vehicle downtime for transporters and fleet owners. This move enhances BharatBenz's customer accessibility in North Bihar.

Students protest in Patna demanding cancellation of Bihar Daroga recruitment exam, clash with police

A large number of students preparing for competitive examinations took to the streets in Bihar's capital Patna on Tuesday, demanding the cancellation of the recently held Bihar Police Sub-Inspector recruitment examination and raising several other demands. As per the information, the protest was held near Gandhi Maidan and intensified around JP Golambar, where demonstrators reportedly engaged in a scuffle with police personnel. The students are particularly angry over the examination conducted for the recruitment of 1,799 Sub-Inspector posts. They have demanded that the examination be cancelled and conducted afresh in a transparent manner.

Bihar floods affect 50 lakh people in 15 districts, Kharge seeks urgent relief

She appealed to the government to expedite relief and rescue operations so that help can reach the affected people as soon as possible

'Floods have spread across 12 to 16 districts': Ram Kripal Yadav as central team to assess Bihar damage

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said floods had spread across around 12 to 16 districts in the state, causing extensive damage, as a central team led by Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is set to visit the state to assess the situation. Speaking to IANS, Ram Kripal Yadav said the floods had affected a large number of districts, damaging crops, houses and infrastructure and leaving lakhs of people in severe difficulty. The floods have spread across around 12 to 16 districts, causing extensive damage. Crops of Bihars farmers have been destroyed, infrastructure has been damaged, houses have been washed away and lakhs of people are facing severe difficulties, Yadav said. He said a high-level team headed by Chouhan would visit various affected areas to assess the extent of the damage. He added that a meeting would also be held at the level of the Chief Minister in connection with the situation. JD(U) National Spokesperson, Rajeev Ranjan, said the state had significant expectations from the central assessment team given the scale of the damage and the difficulties faced by people. Certainly, we have expectations because the damage caused by the floods in Bihar has been severe and peoples difficulties have increased, Ranjan said. He added that although the situation was gradually improving, the state government would require additional resources to restore normalcy in the affected areas. Although the situation is improving, the state government will certainly need additional resources to restore normalcy, Ranjan said, stressing that Bihar should receive all assistance it was entitled to after the central team assessed the damage. Bihar Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, has also said that a central team led by Union Minister Chouhan would visit the state to assess the flood situation and the damage caused by the floods. While Choudhary did not specify when the team would arrive, it is likely to reach Patna on September 16. The proposed visit comes as the flood situation remains serious in parts of Bihar. According to official figures, around 49.67 lakh people have been affected across 15 districts of the state. While water levels have started receding in most rivers, including the Ganga, several rivers continue to flow above their respective danger marks at various locations. The Centres assessment is expected to help determine the extent of assistance required by Bihar for relief, rehabilitation and restoration of damaged infrastructure and agricultural areas.

'US Prez Trump Copied $5,000 Plan From Congress' Karnataka Model': DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has claimed that the Congress governments welfare schemes in the state have influenced similar initiatives across India and even in the United States. Speaking at a Congress office event, Shivakumar said Karnatakas guarantee schemes had been replicated in states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. He also compared the schemes with US President Donald Trumps proposed $5,000 payment to American adults, saying, Trump is copying us. Shivakumar said the proposal reflected the wider influence of Karnatakas welfare model. He also attacked the BJP, accusing it of using Hindutva for political purposes and alleging misuse of funds and materials contributed for the Ram Temple. He criticised the Centres Ujjwala scheme over rising LPG prices and said Congress welfare policies provide support irrespective of caste or religion.

Bihar floods: Congress urges Govt to carry out relief, rescue operations without delay

Nearly 50 lakh people in 15 districts of Bihar have been affected by floods as heavy rain over the past few days further swelled rivers already flowing above their danger marks

Omar Abdullah questions BJPs UCC strategy: Why do it state by state?

Srinagar, Sep 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has questioned the move by BJP-ruled states to pursue the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying legislation on an issue of national importance should be brought before Parliament rather than being introduced separately by individual states. If you have the numbers, bring it to Parliament. Why are you doing it separately in different states? Abdullah said, arguing that the UCC could not be described as universal if it applied only to BJP-ruled states. The whole country is not BJP-ruled. There are a number of states and territories that the BJP does not govern, he said. Abdullah also pointed to differences within the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, saying some of its allies were not in favour of implementing the UCC in their states. According to reports, the Janata Dal (United) has directly said that it will not be implemented in Bihar. So if their own allies are not ready for it, how can they say that it should be implemented across the country? he said. He said a measure of such significance should be decided by Parliament, which represents the country as a whole. Something of this nature should not be decided by individual states. It has to be decided by the country as a whole, Abdullah said. The country as a whole is represented not in the states but in Parliament. Let the legislation come to Parliament. Abdullah also questioned why the government was pursuing the UCC through states while other major legislative proposals had been discussed in the context of Parliament. So far, whenever they have talked about legislation in Parliament, whether it is One Nation, One Election or reservation, they have not brought it to Parliament, he said. Now, with this too, they are talking about bringing it in the states. Bring it to Parliament and let us see whether you can pass it. Our foreign policy is our own On Chinas reported praise of Indias foreign policy, Abdullah said New Delhi should not attach undue importance to assessments from other countries, whether positive or negative. Our foreign policy is our own. Why do we look for certificates from other countries? he asked. He warned against selectively welcoming foreign comments when they were favourable while rejecting them when they were critical. The danger with something like this is that tomorrow, if China says something against our foreign policy, then what will you do? Abdullah said. I don't think we should rather, we shouldn't give too much importance to what other countries say about our foreign policy, whether positive or negative, because we cannot cherry-pick. He added: We should neither want their praise nor their criticism. Our foreign policy is our own. We should focus on that. A good step on LAC On reports of a reduction in Chinese deployments along the Line of Actual Control, Abdullah welcomed any move that could reduce tensions along the India-China frontier. Anything that reduces tensions on the Line of Control or the Line of Actual Control is a good step, particularly for those people who live close to it, he said. Abdullah said residents living near the LoC and LAC were particularly affected by tensions and military deployments. We know how difficult it is for people to live close to the LoC or LAC, he said. So, if there is any step that reduces deployments along the Line of Actual Control, that is a good step. He said he hoped a similar improvement would eventually take place along the Line of Control. Similarly, we hope that, over time, things will get better along the Line of Control as well, he said. On Pahalgam attack Asked about the National Conferences condemnation of the Pahalgam attack without explicitly naming Pakistan, Abdullah said the issue was primarily for the Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs to address. That is something for the Government of India, and particularly the Ministry of External Affairs, to talk about, he said. Abdullah argued that the fact that the Pahalgam attack had been mentioned in the international condemnation was itself significant, particularly given the presence of countries considered allies of Pakistan. The fact that Pahalgam itself was condemned is a big thing, he said. Please see how many allies of Pakistan were in that room. He added: For even Pahalgam to be mentioned by name, that in itself is a success of our foreign policy. Now, okay, it has happened. Let us move forward. Let's move on, Abdullah said.

'He Is Copying Us': DK Shivakumar On Trump's $5,000 Promise

DK Shivakumar said that Congress's welfare model has been replicated in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. And now, the US is copying it.

Bihar floods: Rahul Gandhi urges govt to carry out relief, rescue operations with full promptness

Bihar faces devastating floods affecting nearly fifty lakh people across fifteen districts. Rahul Gandhi expressed deep condolences and urged swift government relief efforts. He also appealed to Congress workers to provide assistance to affected families. Heavy rainfall in Nepal's catchment areas swelled rivers above danger marks. The state has recorded rainfall six percent above normal for September.

Pakistan's visit to India for ACT subject to govt clearance: PHF

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Pakistans tour to India for next months Hockey Asian Champions Trophy is subject to government clearance, said Pakistan's Hockey Federation (PHF) chief Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani. The Men's Asian Champions Trophy will be held from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, with the tournament featuring India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea. Meanwhile, Oman and Bangladesh have been named as reserve teams in case of withdrawals. According to a report in Pakistan's English daily 'Dawn', Wani, who is also federal secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, said PHF would abide by the governments decision on the national teams participation. The visit of the Pakistan team will depend on government clearance. We will do whatever the government asks us to do, Wani said. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said that Pakistan would be travelling to India next month for the tournament. There is no problem in multi-national tournaments. Bilateral series between India and Pakistan cannot take place, Mann said, citing the central governments policy which allows India and Pakistan to compete in multinational events. In an office memorandum issued on May 5, the Sports Ministry stated that Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in multilateral events hosted by India, while also signalling a more supportive visa regime for athletes, officials and international federation representatives. The league stage of the ACT will be played in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2, while the semifinals will be played on Nov 4 and the final will be played on November 5. The much-awaited India-Pakistan clash scheduled for November 1, Punjab Day in Jalandhar. The India-Pakistan encounter on November 1 in Jalandhar will be one of the biggest attractions of the tournament. The match will coincide with Punjab Day, making the occasion even more special for the people of Punjab. India and Pakistan may have their rivalries on the hockey field, but sport has its own language, CM Mann said on Monday. Last year, Pakistan withdrew from the Junior World Cup and in Tamil Nadu after pulling out of the Men's Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, citing heightened tensions between the two countries.

Bihar fisheries seizes 50 quintals of banned Thai Magur in Katihar

The News Mill

Jharkhand CID arrests two more in recruitment exam irregularities cases

Dilip Kumar Paswan (41) of Bihar's Jamui district was arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination-2023, he said.

Central Team to Visit Bihar to Assess Flood Situation

The state has recorded 112.7 mm of rainfall so far in September, around six per cent above normal,

Delhi-NCR likely to receive light rain; IMD issues thunderstorm alert in 20 states

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Residents of Delhi-NCR may experience light rainfall on Tuesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast generally cloudy conditions, with isolated spells of very light to light rain likely from the forenoon to the afternoon. IMD also issued thunderstorm and rain alerts in 20 states. The maximum temperature in the national capital is expected to remain between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to settle between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius. According to the weather department, Delhi-NCR and several other parts of the country are likely to witness fluctuating weather conditions this week, with rain expected on some days, while relatively dry conditions may prevail on others. Although monsoon activity has weakened compared with previous weeks, the IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and rainfall in 20 states. Gusty winds could reach speeds of up to 60 kmph in some areas, prompting authorities to advise residents to exercise caution during periods of adverse weather. The weather warning covers a wide geographical area, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat and Maharashtra, among other regions. The IMD on Monday said the southwest monsoon is likely to begin withdrawing from the country around September 19, with the retreat expected to commence from west Rajasthan. The normal withdrawal date for the region is September 17, while last year the process began on September 14. The department said the country's cumulative rainfall deficit currently stands at 15 per cent. Several districts, particularly in western, southern and northeastern regions, continue to record deficient rainfall. Despite the expected retreat of the monsoon, several parts of the country are likely to receive additional rainfall during the week. The west and northwest regions, along with parts of the southern peninsula, are expected to witness increased rainfall activity.

Bihars Agricultural Drones Set to Revolutionize Crop Spraying

Bihar plans to use agricultural drones for efficient crop spraying, covering over 285,000 acres while saving time and labor for farmers. Bihars Agricultural Drones Set to Revolutionize Crop Spraying

Monsoons Festivals

In Indian culture, both Spring and Winter are celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety; Spring almost all over the country and Winter in the warmer regions south of the Himalayas. However, there is another season, the advent of which is a harbinger of happiness and hope ... and that is the rainy season, or the Monsoon as it is also known. It brings happiness because it cools down the troublesome summer heat, and hope because water, especially cool water, on dry earth is always a symbol of hope. And yet, the effect of rains is felt quite differently in the hills and plains. In the hills even a light shower brings down the temperature considerably, adding a chill to the already cool air. In the plains it is an early sign of the onset of Monsoon - which is celebrated with the greatest fervour in the extremely hot and dry northern belt. After the baking temperatures of May and June followed by the itchy humidity of July, vibrant August brings the much-awaited, life-giving rains. In hot, dry, landlocked northern India, the Monsoon - coming after the terrible, relentless Summer heat - is even more welcome than Spring. It is not difficult to imagine the joy of people at the first showers the wonderful hydrating effect of the rain water on parched earth; the filling up of rivers, ponds and wells long dry; the flowering of bushes and shrubs; the sprouting of fresh new leaves; the joyful singing of birds, who have a difficult time looking for drinking water in the hot summer. And above all, the cool, refreshing breezes instead of the devastating loo winds that create desert-like conditions. The Monsoons give Nature a head-to-toe bath, as layers of dust are washed away and every tree gets a clean new look with glistening leaves. Old and young alike, long suffering under the merciless Sun, come out of their homes to meet and greet their neighbours and celebrate the rains together. The biggest Monsoon festival of North India - Teej is celebrated across Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The villages of the plains of North India present a picture of health and cheer during Teej, with everyone dressed in bright clothes and brighter smiles! Teej becomes the perfect opportunity to socialise, as the pleasant weather breathes new life into the people. The lush greenery, fresh air and cool weather inspire the village folk to gather together in courtyards and community spaces, singing folk songs to welcome the rains. Groups of village children can be seen taking rain-baths, diving into ponds with gleeful shouts and splashing in out of puddles with abandon. The menfolk express their joy by dancing the energetic bhangra to the peppy beats of the dhol, in their colourful turbans and folk dresses. The festival becomes an occasion for women to travel to their parental homes (peka in Punjabi), reunite with family and childhood friends, and spend time with their parents and siblings. The first Teej of newly-wedded young women becomes even more special as they receive a gift hamper of new clothes and bangles from their maika or peehar (parental home). Both, married women and unmarried young girls put on their best and brightest clothes saree, salwar-kameez or lehenga. Pinks, blues and yellows mix with greens and reds, the traditional Teej colours. Women and girls come out in droves, shining in their attractive attires, chattering and laughing, the palms of their hands adorned with deep red mehndi designs. On the occasion of Teej, rope swings (peeng / jhoola) are hung from strong branches of sturdy trees like mango and peepal, where women and girls take turns swinging in singles or in pairs. What a lovely scene it is: ladies adorned in finery, swinging away merrily under large shady trees, their veils (chunni / odhni) fluttering in the breeze, bangles tinkling rhythmically with the to-and-fro motion ! The days come alive with womenfolk performing lively Giddha dances while reciting traditional boliyan (couplets on village life). Bangle-sellers displaying bright, colourful glass bangles walk through villages with their portable stalls, singing Vangaan chadhaalo kudiyonmerebaba de darbaar diyaan (O girls, put on these blessed bangles). Rajasthani women in their multi-coloured striped leheriya attires and traditional jewellery can be heard singing Aayo Aayo Teej Tyohar (Teej festival has arrived !) and Aayi Sawaniye Ri Teej (The Monsoon has come !). Could any Indian festival be complete without a fair ?! Local Teej fairs (Teeyan da Mela) feature artisans offering intricate henna applications, folk music competitions, and traditional village games. And then, can there be any celebration without sweets ? Families lovingly prepare and share traditional sweets Ghevar (delicately-flavoured sweet shaped like a large disc), Gujia (deep-fried pastry filled with khoya and coconut) and Malpua (small syrup-soaked pancakes sprinkled with dry fruits). To balance the sweet flavour, there is the savoury kachaudi (a thick poori with a spicy potato filling). Not only in the plains and foothills, the Monsoons are also celebrated in mountainous Himachal Pradesh, most notably through traditional harvest and cultural fairs. The most prominent of these is the week-long Minjar Fair in Chamba, which celebrates the ripening of maize crops. Local communities mark the season with folk songs, village rituals, traditional music, and colourful processions, with people dressed in attractive folk dresses. Regional delicacies are prepared and enjoyed daily during the season. Coming after the scorching heat of the torrid summer, the rains soak and soften the cracked earth turning it soft, moist and receptive. In this way, the Monsoon plays a vital role in preparing the hard, dry farmland for the Kharif crop. Rice and maize, sown just before the Monsoon, are heavily dependent on the rains as these crops need plenty of water, especially in areas where artificial irrigation is unreliable or simply unavailable. Thus, to small farmers, the Monsoon comes like Gods gift. Perhaps it would not be wrong to say that in Indian culture, vibrant Monsoon festivals are the most awaited, as these are not just religious or cultural events; but a celebration of the rejuvenating aspect of Nature and Natures gift of life in the form of rainwater. T he author is a free-lance writer, editor and translator.

Private agency likely to manage Adalatganj pond complex for 5 years

Two minor brothers drown in Khagaria floodwater

Woman travelling on Tejas Rajdhani held with 15.8kg ganja

Expansion of ULBs vital for planned devpt: Minister

SC/ST welfare officers begin phased protest over demands

PMs 25 years of public service: From steadfast resolve to a developed India

Central team to visit Bihar tomorrow to assess flood damage, says Samrat

Ganga recedes fast, but Kosi & Gandak still above danger mark

Muzaffarpur court orders arrest of 11 policemen

Sundarban, Buxa teams to reach VTR today for tigress translocation

AKU employees oppose inquiry panels conduct

Bihar UCC War: JD(U) Rejects Implementation Plan, RJD Slams BJP After Amit Shahs Big Announcement

A political storm has erupted in Bihar over the Uniform Civil Code after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the UCC would be implemented across 21 NDA-ruled states by 2029. Senior JD(U) leader Shyam Rajak has reiterated that while the party supported the UCC Bill in Parliament, it opposes implementation in Bihar, citing Nitish Kumars earlier stand. Other JD(U) leaders have adopted a cautious approach, with Sanjay Kumar Jha set to discuss the issue with Shah. Meanwhile, the RJD has accused the BJP of politics of hate and vowed to oppose any move that could hurt Muslims.

Bihar Police Promotes 6,800 Assistant Sub-Inspectors to Sub-Inspectors to Accelerate Case Investigations

CCSU facilitates return of Rs1cr lost in cyberfraud

Man accused of raping, killing woman arrested in Bhojpur

Nottinghamshire Sign India Seamer Mukesh Kumar For Last Two County Games

Duleep Trophy Final: Nottinghamshire have signed India fast bowler Mukesh Kumar for the final two matches of the 2026 County Championship season, the English county club announced on Monday. IANS had previously reported on August 30 that there was a possibility of Mukesh and senior India pacer Mohammed Shami turning out in the later stages of the County Championship. This news agency also understands that Shami too might sign a deal to play in fag end of the County Championship. Mukesh, 32, has taken 32 wickets across 26 international appearances for India, including three Test matches. His arrival will boost Nottinghamshires bowling attack for their crucial run-in period in the competition. The county stint marks the first time Mukesh will represent a domestic team outside India. I am really pleased to sign for Nottinghamshire at an important time in the season. I cant wait to arrive in England and test myself in county cricket. I want to contribute as much as I can while I am here to help Nottinghamshire to success, and I am looking forward to working with the coaches and my new teammates. Coming to England is always a good challenge, and I am excited by the chance to play for a new team in new conditions. I will give everything while I am part of Nottinghamshire, and I hope together, we can be successful, he said in a statement. Mukesh, who turns out for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, brings a formidable first-class record to Trent Bridge, having taken 233 wickets in 61 matches at an average of 21.79, including ten five-wicket hauls. His career-best match figures of 10-50 came for Bengal against Bihar in the Ranji Trophy in February 2024. Mukesh arrives in England match-ready after helping East Zone secure the Duleep Trophy title in Chennai. Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores welcomed the signing, highlighting the bowler's pedigree and recent competitive rhythm. Mukesh, who turns out for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, brings a formidable first-class record to Trent Bridge, having taken 233 wickets in 61 matches at an average of 21.79, including ten five-wicket hauls. His career-best match figures of 10-50 came for Bengal against Bihar in the Ranji Trophy in February 2024. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Mukesh's quality as a bowler is not in question, knowing how hard it is to compete to play in the Indian team. It's fantastic for us to get a player whos match-ready and in full competitive mode ahead of two big games for the club, he added. Article Source: IANS

Health facilities across state to get facelift by Oct 31

Two-day Hindi Sahitya Samagam to be held in Patna before March: CM

Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary attends Shri Ganesh Utsav Puja in Patna

The News Mill

From Varanasi to Vadnagar, BJYM plans 21-Day youth 'seva yatra' across 10 states

Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 14 (IANS) More than 1,000 young volunteers from across the country will take part in a 21-day Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Seva Yatra connecting Prime Minister Narendra Modis childhood home town of Vadnagar in Gujarat with his parliamentary constituency Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, organisers said on Monday. The Varanasi to Vadnagar Seva Yatra will begin on September 17 and continue until October 7, with participants travelling simultaneously in two directions from Vadnagar to Varanasi and from Varanasi to Vadnagar. The campaign is being organised to mark and draw inspiration from 25 years of PM Modis public life and his emphasis on public service and nation-building. BJYM national president and Vadodara Lok Sabha MP Hemang Joshi said the programme would not be limited to a motorcycle journey, but would seek to involve young people in community service activities along the routes. Prime Minister Narendra Modis 25 years of public life represent an inspiring journey of service, dedication and putting the nation first for the youth of India. This Seva Yatra from Varanasi to Vadnagar is an effort to transform that philosophy of life into a resolve of the nations youth, Joshi said. Our objective is to ensure that the youth of India are not merely spectators of change, but active participants in nation-building, he added. The participants, or Seva Yatris, will come from several parts of the country, including Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Bihar and the Northeast. The organisers said the participation of young people from different regions, languages and cultures was intended to reinforce the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. The Yatra will cover 20 routes named after sacred Indian rivers and pass through 10 states, 193 districts, 773 tehsils and 1,159 villages. At each halt, the participants will undertake service-oriented activities. Nearly 25 types of initiatives have been planned, including tree plantation and the creation of Seva Vatikas, cleanliness drives, Nasha Mukt Bharat and TB Mukt Bharat campaigns, water conservation and awareness programmes for a plastic-free India. The programme will also include the honouring of saints and seers and felicitations for sanitation workers. Joshi said the organisers would avoid traditional receptions for the participants and instead focus on cleanliness and community service. Under the Swachhta Se Swagat initiative, local BJYM workers will conduct cleanliness drives at each destination two days before the Seva Yatris arrive, he added. The Yatra will also establish a symbolic connection between Vadnagar and Varanasi through river water. Participants travelling from Vadnagar to Varanasi will carry sacred water from rivers in Gujarat for Jalabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Those travelling in the opposite direction will carry sacred water from rivers in Uttar Pradesh for Jalabhishek at Shri Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Vadnagar. Joshi said rivers were central to Indias civilisation, culture and faith and that using river water as a symbol of the Yatra was intended to represent cultural unity and a shared commitment to service. Nation-building is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is the responsibility of every citizen, and particularly of the youth. Inspired by PM Modi, we want every young Indian to make seva a part of their life in their respective communities and contribute to the building of a Viksit Bharat, he asserted. The Yatra will therefore seek to link Vadnagar, associated with PM Modis childhood and formative years, with Varanasi, where he has represented the constituency in the Lok Sabha and continued his public life.

Min reviews Pitripaksh preparations; five pind daan packages launched

Boat ambulances take healthcare to flood-hit Katihar villages

UCC debate intensifies after HM Amit Shahs 2029 implementation push (Lead)

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) The debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) intensified on Monday, a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that it would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029, with BJP leaders and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) backing the move while some NDA partners and Muslim organisations called for wider consultations. BJP leaders strongly endorsed Shah's announcement, arguing that a common set of laws was necessary for national unity and social reform. BJP MP Naresh Bansal said Uttarakhand, his home state and the first in the country to enact a UCC law, had shown the way for other states. He described the legislation as necessary for the country and said it would help safeguard demographic balance. BJP West Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya said the party had consistently supported a UCC and asserted that there should be one law in one country. State Minister Dilip Ghosh also backed implementation, saying the process should begin in Bengal and subsequently extend to other states. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Shah's announcement was in line with Article 44 of the Constitution, which directs the state to endeavour towards securing a Uniform Civil Code for citizens. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also welcomed the move, saying the UCC should be implemented in BJP-ruled states before 2029. The VHP welcomed Shah's announcement, with spokesperson Vinod Bansal saying implementation would be a milestone for women's and children's rights by addressing gender inequality and discrimination. He also appealed to non-BJP-ruled states to initiate the process. However, the announcement has also exposed differing views within the NDA. Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas leader Chirag Paswan called for the proposed UCC draft to first be made public and sought extensive consultations, pointing to India's diverse customs, traditions and constitutional protections for tribal communities and special-category regions. Meanwhile, opposition-ruled Jharkhand Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav too adopted a cautious approach, saying the state government would examine all aspects and there was no need to rush to conclusions. Opposition to the UCC also emerged from Muslim organisations. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board opposed the proposed legislation, with Bhopal Shahar Qazi Mushtaq Ali Nadvi questioning its necessity in view of constitutional guarantees on religious freedom and minority rights. He appealed to people to participate in a September 17 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari criticised the BJP, alleging that the UCC was being used to divert attention from economic and social issues. The UCC seeks to establish a common framework governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption irrespective of religious affiliation. Bills have been passed in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh, though the law is currently in force only in Uttarakhand.

Rift within NDA over implementation of UCC in Bihar

Ruling JD (U) MLA and former Minister Shyam Rajak said that UCC will not be implemented in Bihar at any cost

Bihar to host two-day Hindi sahitya samagam, top litterateurs to be invited

Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 14 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday announced that the state government will organise a two-day Hindi Sahitya Samagam in Patna to promote the literary and cultural expansion of Hindi, marking the occasion of Hindi Diwas. Addressing the gathering, CM Choudhary said that Hindi is not merely a medium of communication but an expression of the country's identity, culture, civilisation and rich literary heritage. He said that Hindi deserves respect and recognition, and continuous efforts must be made to promote and expand its use. Choudhary noted that Hindi is among the world's most widely spoken languages and ranks third globally. He described it as an integral part of India's social and cultural life. Highlighting Bihar's contribution to Hindi literature, the Chief Minister said the state has played a significant role in enriching the language. He recalled the contributions of literary figures such as Vidyapati, 'Rashtrakavi' Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar' and 'Jan-Kavi' Nagarjun, stating that their works elevated Hindi literature to new heights and provided direction to society. Choudhary announced that the Bihar government would organise a two-day Hindi Sahitya Samagam to promote the literary and cultural expansion of Hindi. He said prominent Hindi litterateurs, writers, poets and scholars from across the country would be invited to participate in the event. He directed the concerned officials to complete preparations for the conclave within the stipulated timeframe. Hindi Diwas instills in us a sense of both pride and responsibility towards our language, he said. Referring to the flood situation in Bihar, Choudhary said the state government was making continuous efforts to find a permanent solution to the recurring problem of floods. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had remained sensitive to the flood situation despite being engaged in international engagements, including the BRICS summit. According to Choudhary, a Central team led by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan would visit Bihar to assess the flood situation and evaluate the damage caused by the disaster. The Chief Minister said Bihar's rivers form the backbone of the state's life and economy, making it essential to focus on their conservation and effective management. He stressed the need for a long-term approach towards river interlinking, conservation, water management and flood control. The government, he said, is working to minimise loss of life and property caused by floods while finding a permanent and effective solution to the problem. During the programme, Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department, welcomed Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary by presenting him with a green plant, an angavastra and two books -- Maila Anchal and Dinkar Ki Diary. On the occasion, Choudhary also launched the official language magazine.

UCC in Bihar, or not? JD(U) opposes implementation despite backing Bill in Parliament

Tejashwi Yadav targets Centre over Bihar floods, alleges discrimination in relief

Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 14 (IANS) Floodwaters from the Ganga and several other rivers have inundated low-lying areas across Bihar, affecting lakhs of people and intensifying demands for greater government assistance. While relief and rescue operations are underway in several parts of the state, the situation has also triggered a fresh political confrontation between the opposition and the NDA governments at the Centre and in Bihar. Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has sharply criticised the Central Government over what he described as its alleged failure to provide adequate assistance to flood-hit Bihar. In a post on X, Yadav compared the Centres response to rainfall and disasters in Gujarat with its response to the ongoing flood situation in Bihar. Yadav alleged that even limited rainfall in Gujarat had prompted an immediate response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, including coordination with the state government and the deployment of the Air Force and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). He also referred to an earlier flood situation in Gujarat, claiming that the Prime Minister had conducted an aerial survey, announced a Rs 500-crore package and deployed the Army, Air Force and NDRF for relief and rescue operations. He further claimed that the families of victims were provided Rs 2 lakh in assistance. Comparing this with the situation in Bihar, Yadav alleged that more than 50 people had died, thousands of cattle were missing, losses had run into thousands of crores, and around 45 lakh people had been affected. Now look at Bihar: over 50 people have died due to floods, thousands of cattle are missing, losses run into thousands of crores, and 45 lakh people are affected; yet, let alone providing aid, neither the Prime Minister nor the Home Minister has uttered a single word, Yadav said. Neither Modi nor Shah had spoken to Bihars Chief Minister over the phone to discuss the flood situation, he further alleged. Yadav questioned what he described as a disparity in the Centres response to Gujarat and Bihar. Why is there such discrimination against our Bihar? he asked, alleging that the Central Government responds rapidly to disasters in Gujarat but remains inactive when large numbers of people are affected by floods in Bihar. Yadav also raised the issue of compensation for deaths caused by lightning strikes. He claimed that hundreds of people die from lightning strikes in Bihar every year, but that lightning has not been included in the list of national disasters, leaving victims without Central compensation. He contrasted this with the assistance he said was provided for rain-related deaths in Gujarat. The RJD leader also criticised Bihars BJP and NDA leaders, particularly the states MPs and Union ministers, for what he described as their silence over the flood crisis. Yadav recalled that former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar had, despite their political differences, previously joined hands to raise issues concerning Bihars rights during times of crisis. Now, however, the 30 MPs and seven Union Ministers are all mute, deaf, and blind; they cannot even speak up for their own rights, he alleged. Yadav said the opposition had been raising the issue since the beginning of the crisis and had also written to the Prime Minister seeking assistance for the flood-hit state. If a package is received from the Centre, it goes to the governmenttell me, what personal gain is there for me in this? he asked, arguing that his demand for Central assistance was motivated by concern for Bihar rather than political interests. Yadav further accused BJP leaders of believing that people in Bihar could be placated with short-term assistance immediately before elections. He alleged that BJP leaders were effectively saying that people could be left without adequate attention for most of the term and then offered food grains and cash shortly before elections. Expressing concern over the scale of the floods, Yadav said it was deeply shameful that millions of people had been affected while, according to him, there was no adequate assistance or assurance of additional support from the Centre. Just thinkwhy is this the case? Setting politics aside, I ask: why? Yadav said, alleging that Bihar was being treated unfairly despite its contribution to the nation.

Central team to visit Bihar on September 16 to assess flood damage

According to the latest figures from the Bihar Disaster Management Department (DMD), the floods affected over 49.36 lakh people in 88 blocks across 15 districts

Bhaskar Report: Bihar Coaching Hub Under Fire Over Alleged Student Brainwashing

A Bhaskar report has raised explosive questions over what it describes as alleged ideological conditioning of students in Bihars coaching hub, including claims that young members of Gen-Z are being prepared to turn against the government and participate in aggressive protests. One of the most serious statements highlighted in the report is attributed to a [] The post Bhaskar Report: Bihar Coaching Hub Under Fire Over Alleged Student Brainwashing appeared first on Tfipost.com .

PM Modi speaking Hindi globally fills us with pride: CM Fadnavis

Digital Desk | Navi Mumbai, Sep 14 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modis commitment to Indian languages, stating that hearing the Prime Minister speak Hindi on global platforms fills the nation with pride. He was speaking at the Hindi Diwas celebration and the 6th All India Official Language Conference organised in Navi Mumbai, an event attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Addressing the gathering, CM Fadnavis apologised for his late arrival before highlighting the significance of hosting the national convention in Maharashtra. He noted that while such conferences were once mere formalities, Home Minister Amit Shah spearheaded the effort to rotate them across different states. Reflecting on language policy history, Fadnavis pointed out that Hindi was widely used for official work during the British era before both Hindi and English were designated as official languages in 1963. He stated that since PM Modi assumed office, mother tongues and official regional languages have received unprecedented respect across the country. You must learn your mother tongue, and the New Education Policy (NEP) ensures this by promoting education in local languages alongside additional Indian languages, CM Fadnavis said. Recalling history, he noted that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, then an opposition leader, was among the first to address the United Nations in Hindi. He added that writer Munshi Premchand played a pivotal role in making conversational Hindi acceptable for official work. Addressing the conference, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the importance of regional languages, asserting that Marathi deserves deep respect. He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration granted classical language status to Marathi. HM Shah praised Maharashtra's diversity, describing it as the most multilingual state in India. Quoting freedom fighter and social reformer Vinoba Bhave, he noted, If I had not used Hindi, I could not have reached every village in Kashmir, Assam, and Kerala with the revolutionary message of Bhoodan and Gramdan. It was the official language that enabled me to communicate with people across the nation. Reiterating the central government's focus on language preservation through the New Education Policy, the Home Minister emphasised that foundational learning in one's mother tongue is essential for a child's holistic growth. Describing Maharashtra as the land of Veer Savarkar, he emphasised that Savarkar was not only a freedom fighter and social reformer but also one of the most learned linguists of his time. He built upon Lokmanya Tilaks call for the purification of the Marathi language and coined numerous words that were previously absent in Indian languageswords that found natural acceptance in Marathi and other national languages. HM Shah added that the Ministry of Home Affairs honoured Savarkar's linguistic legacy in Hindi through the 'Shabd Sindhu' initiative.

School director in Jamui accused of inappropriate conduct with students

Bihar DElEd 3rd Merit List Out: Don't Miss the September 15 Reporting Deadline

The Bihar School Examination Board has released the Bihar DElEd 3rd merit list for 2026. Candidates must report by September 15 to secure their seats. Check your allotment status and required documents now to avoid seat loss.

Bihari youth arrested for alleged murder of colleague from the State in Kochi plywood factory

The arrested person is Mohammed Sahil, 23, of Muzaffarpur in Bihar; he has been charged with murder

Four Myanmar nationals detained in Bihar over lack of valid documents

Upon the arrival of the train, a Railway Protection Force (RPF) team, questioned the four persons and detained them as they could not produce valid passports, citizenship certificates or other legal identity documents, RPF inspector Vikram Kumar said.

AIMSA Writes to Sakina Itoo Over PG Stipend Disparity in Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar, September 14 : The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) has written to HealthMinister Sakina Itoo, raising concerns over the disparity in stipends received by postgraduate residents at Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in Jammu & Kashmir compared with residents at SKIMS and in other states. AlMSA questioned why such a disparity exists when postgraduate residents across these institutions perform similar clinical duties and provide frontline healthcare services. The issue has gained further attention after Bihar revised its postgraduate resident stipends, while J&K continues to lag behind several other states. Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, President AIMSA J&K, said, There should be no disparity among postgraduate residents. Doctors performing similar responsibilities and serving patients should receive fair and equitable compensation. The government must address this anomaly without further delay. Dr Mohit Choudhary, Chief Advisor, AIMSA, and Postgraduate Resident atGMC Srinagar, said, Our government should take immediate steps to resolve this disparity. PG residents are working continuously on the frontline of healthcare, and their compensation should reflect their responsibilities and workload. AIMSA has urged the J&K Government to review the existing PG stipend structure, rectify the disparity with SKIMS and other states, and ensure fair, equitable and regularly revised stipends for postgraduate residents across J&k.

Essential to have one law for one country: BJP leaders on HM Shah's UCC announcement

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement regarding the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in all states governed by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), describing the move as necessary for ensuring uniformity in laws and addressing various social issues. Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Naresh Bansal said that Uttarakhand, his home state, had taken the lead in implementing the UCC and that other states were now gradually moving in the same direction. I come from the state where the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was implemented first. Uttarakhand was the first state to frame and enact legislation on the UCC. Now, gradually, other states are moving in the same direction. This is a very necessary law for the entire country. To ensure that the demographic balance of the nation is safeguarded, this law is essential and will be implemented, Bansal said. BJP West Bengal President, Samik Bhattacharya, also backed the Home Minister's announcement and said that implementing a UCC had consistently been part of the BJP's stated position. What the Home Minister said is correct. It has always been the BJP's declared stand that there should be a Uniform Civil Code, and we will implement it across the country. This is not our hidden agenda or a secret issue. We have always spoken about it, Bhattacharya told IANS. The BJP-led West Bengal government is also moving ahead with a UCC Bill. Bhattacharya said support for a UCC was not limited to the BJP and claimed that people from different professional and social backgrounds were also in favour of having a common set of laws. There should be one law in one country. Society has been divided in the name of religion and faith for a long time, and the country has suffered because of it. The country should be freed from this, he added. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, while speaking to IANS, said the announcement was in line with the constitutional provision that calls upon the government to work towards a UCC. Amit Shah has reiterated the constitutional commitment. Article 44 of the Constitution directs the government to move towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code. After Prime Minister Modi came to power, the country was prepared in this direction, and our state governments have also moved forward. The Uniform Civil Code is about reforming the social system. Those making communal attacks against it are trying to create an imaginary communal misconception about the UCC, Naqvi said. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also welcomed the announcement, calling the move necessary and expressing confidence that the UCC would be implemented in BJP-ruled states within the timeframe announced by the Home Minister. The Home Minister has made a good decision. A UCC is necessary, and within the next three years, before 2029, it will be implemented across all states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party. This will help resolve several issues, Yadav told IANS. Earlier on Sunday, the Home Minister had announced that the UCC would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-NDA before 2029. Shah said the implementation would be undertaken through necessary measures and efforts in a phased manner. The Home Minister noted that the UCC has already been implemented in several states, while work is underway in others. He said the next step would be to ensure that the remaining states also adopt the common civil code.

Floods hit 49 lakh people in 15 Bihar districts as rivers keep swelling

The local weather office said Bihar has recorded 111.7 mm of rain so far in September, around 13% above normal

Floods hit 4.9 million people in 15 Bihar districts as rivers keep swelling

More than 49 lakh people in 15 districts of Bihar were affected by floods on Monday as heavy rain over the past few days further swelled the rivers of the state already flowing above their danger marks. The local weather office said the state has recorded 111.7 mm of rain so far in September, around 13 per cent above normal. An official said incessant rain in catchment areas of rivers flowing from Nepal into Bihar and heavy rainfall in the state itself have caused several rivers and streams to flow above their danger marks. According to the Disaster Management Department, around 49.36 lakh people in 15 districts have been affected by floods. These districts are Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Buxar, Samastipur, Munger, Katihar, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Purnea, Madhepura and Araria. The Ganga was flowing at 36.21 metres at 6 am on Monday at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur, which was 1.71 metres above the danger level. The Kosi river was flowing above the danger mark at

Water Levels Recede In Bihar But 4.8 Million People Remain Affected Across 15 Districts

Centre treating Bihar as stepchild: Tejashwi Yadav on flood-related issues

The LoP in Bihar said that over 48 lakh people are affected by the recent floods, but the double-engine government is not serious about this matter as both engines have caught fire

Job seeker alleges bribe demand; AIIMS-P denies

Transform degree colleges, says governor to teachers

Govt: IMC-Gaya expansion plan to factor in green areas

Engr denies SVUs Rs3cr DA charge

Over 4.8 mn affected in Bihar flood; water levels of rivers start to recede

Over 48 lakh people remained affected in flood-hit Bihar on Sunday, even as waters started to recede in most rivers which had been flowing above the danger mark, officials said. Bihar has received 111.7 mm of rainfall so far in September, around 13 per cent above normal, officials said. Around 48.70 lakh people in 575 gram panchayats across 88 blocks of 15 districts were affected by the deluge, they said. Among the worst-affected districts are Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, and Araria, according to the Disaster Management Department (DMD). The Kosi was flowing above the danger mark at Baltar and Kursela, the Burhi Gandak at Khagaria, the Ganga at Digha, Gandhi Ghat, Hathidah, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon and Munger, the Punpun at Sripalpur, the Bagmati at Benibad and the Ghaghra at Darauli and Gangpur Siswan, the DMD said. The administration is operating 1,257 community kitchens, and 13 relief camps are in flood-affected areas. Arrangements for accommodation, food

FIR filed against CA over Rs457cr foreign transfers

Thief dozes off after tossing Rs5 lakh loot out of Nawada house, arrested

IPR emerging as boon for law graduates: CJ

Two cops suspended after Bhojpur social activists murder

Muslims should seek political representation: Prashant Kishor

Patna: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Sunday, September 13, urged Muslims of Bihar to care for the communitys representation in politics and refrain from becoming camp followers of any party. The Bankipur MLA remarked at a minorities convention held in Muslim-majority Sabzibagh locality of the state capital, which falls under his assembly constituency. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Bihar Minister Ashok Chaudhary Responds to Tejashwi Yadavs Criticism

Bihars Ashok Chaudhary counters Tejashwi Yadavs remarks on floods and name change proposals, defending government actions. Bihar Minister Ashok Chaudhary Responds to Tejashwi Yadavs Criticism

Water, toilet woes force GNM students out of hostel

PK stresses need for Muslims greater political representation

National Lok Adalat settles 4 lakh cases in Bihar

Brics Summit reflects Indias growing global role: Samrat